How to remove Maktub virus

The precisely designed Maktub ransomware project: protect your PC before it is too late

Nowadays, you have to be very careful while browsing the web, since it is full of all sorts of malicious programs, including Maktub virus, about which we want to warn you in the current article. This virus is a ransomware-type program which infiltrates the system without the user’s knowledge, encrypts the containing files and asks for a ransom in return. This may already sound terrifying but there is a lot more to this program. Once Maktub enters the computer through an infected email attachment, it scans the system for variety of file extensions. Pictures, video/audio files, archives and documents are among the most usual targets of this virus. After locating the files, virus encrypts them using a complex algorithm, reportedly used even in military. It is typical for the ransomware programs like Maktub to use such complex coding because its developers want to make sure the files cannot be retrieved any other way than paying the ransom for the encryption key. The encrypted files will be recognizable from an unusual file extensions, for example, .NORV or some other similar extension. As long as the files are encrypted, the virus victim has not access to them and the files are, virtually, lost.

Maktub virus works similarly to other ransomware programs like Locky virus, Rokku virus and other. After encrypting the files a window displaying a ransom note is opened in which the victim is asked to pay 0.5 – 1.5 Bitcoin ($204.55 – $613.65) within 12 hours via the anonymous Tor network. The victim is put on the time pressure by threatening to double the sum if the ransom is not paid until the deadline. Maktub also allows the victim to encrypt some of the files as a form of insurance. However, it is not advisable to purchase anything from the virus creators. Do not forget that they are profit-focused criminals and returning your files back to you is the least of their concern. So the best decision, if infected with this virus is to delete it from your system. You can remove Maktub from your computer using some reputable antivirus tools such as FortectIntego.

How does Maktub infect the target system?

Even though this virus is a dangerous and deceptive program, it can be avoided. You have to be aware that it spreads through deceptive emails, fake software updates, Trojans and P2P networks, so you can be prepared for the counter-attack. For this, you will need to equip your computer with trustworthy antivirus tool. Also, avoid visiting unreliable websites and, more importantly, clicking on suspicious ads, software update and download notifications, which may appear on your screen. In addition, keep away from the “Spam” section in your email since it usually contains potentially malicious content-filled emails, filtered by your mail provider. Finally, keep a backup of your system. Ideally, you should store it on some external drive, which is not connected to your PC in any way. Taking such precautions should help you keep the viruses at bay and your files safe. However, if you are already become a victim of this fraudulent program, you should consider Maktub removal from your computer ASAP!

UPDATED October 19, 2016. Maktub ransomware uses another trick to convince users to open malicious emails – they pretend to be people that act on behalf of some reputable company and that their task is to make the victim pay the debt. The malicious email message provides a link to a “printable” version of the invoice, and also states that the original invoice will be sent out to user’s home address, which is also included in the email message. The fact that criminals know the user’s home addresses is pretty scary and proves that they can get access to some database that contains victim’s email and home addresses. 

New Fake Maktub virus version has been detected

We have discovered that a fake Maktub virus version that actively attempts to find its way to users’ computers and encrypt files stored there. This version seems to be targeting Portuguese computer users since the ransom note is written in this language. What is more, this version adds .maktub file extensions and asks the victim to get in touch via email – it asks to write to contatomaktub@email.tg email. The full ransom note looks like this:

Olá, seus arquivos foram criptografados.
A única forma de tê los de volta, é atraves de um software juntamente com sua chave privada.
Caso haja interesse em recuperar seus arquivos, entreem contato pelo seguinte email:
contatomaktub@email.tg
No campo do email, me envie sua chave pública que está logo a baixo.
Te responderei o mais rápido possível.
Att
.maktub

Remove Maktub virus from the compromised computer

Removing ransomware from the computer’s system is not extremely difficult though it may require a little bit of your time. However, the worst part is that Maktub removal from the computer does not affect the state of your files. It means they remain encrypted. Nevertheless, if you want to keep using your computer or restoring files from a backup, you have to make sure the virus is completely removed from your computer. The security experts always recommend opting for the automatic removal method, using the antivirus tools. Yet, in some cases, the antivirus may fail to initiate due to the virus activities on your PC. In this case, you can try disconnecting your computer from the network and start your antivirus again. If this method does not help to boot your antivirus, you can always check out instructions, and try to remove Maktub manually. Just remember to scan your system with antivirus after doing that to make sure it is really virus-free!